Healthcare Aberdeen, SD Pop. 28,324

Optometrist Salary in Aberdeen, South Dakota

The median optometrist salary in Aberdeen, SD is $105,496 per year, which is 16% below the national median and 4.5% below the South Dakota state average.

City Median
$105,496
vs State Avg
$-5,023
vs National
$-20,094
Cost of Living
84%

Optometrist Pay in Aberdeen: What to Expect (2026)

Aberdeen offers a median optometrist salary of $105,496, which is $5,023 below the South Dakota state average of $110,519. Compared to the national median of $125,590, Aberdeen pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Aberdeen's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 84% of the national average. This means the $105,496 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $125,590 in an average-cost city. This makes Aberdeen an attractive option for optometrists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for optometrists in Aberdeen spans from $65,520 at the 10th percentile to $161,280 at the 90th percentile — a $95,760 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $68,880, while senior optometrists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $149,520. Aberdeen is a smaller market (pop. 28,324), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Optometrist Salary in Aberdeen by Experience

In Aberdeen, an entry-level optometrist earns around $68,880, while experienced professionals earn up to $149,520 per year. The local cost of living index is 84% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$68,880
$-13,120 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$107,520
$-20,480 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$149,520
$-28,480 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Aberdeen, SD

Percentile Aberdeen
10th Percentile $65,520
25th Percentile $84,000
Median (50th) $105,496
75th Percentile $132,720
90th Percentile $161,280

Optometrist Salary in Other South Dakota Cities

Sioux Falls, SD
$115,543
Pop. 192,517
Rapid City, SD
$113,031
Pop. 74,703
Brookings, SD
$108,007
Pop. 24,194
Mitchell, SD
$102,984
Pop. 15,660

How to Become a Optometrist in Aberdeen

Education

Most optometrist positions require a doctoral degree. Aberdeen and the surrounding South Dakota area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Eye ExaminationRefractionContact Lens FittingOcular DiseasePatient EducationDiagnostic Equipment

Job Outlook

Nationally, optometrist employment is projected to grow 9% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Aberdeen may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Optometrist Jobs in Aberdeen

Browse open optometrist positions in Aberdeen, SD:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Optometrist Salary in Aberdeen

How much does a Optometrist make in Aberdeen, SD? ▼
The median optometrist salary in Aberdeen, South Dakota is $105,496 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $125,590. Salaries range from $65,520 (10th percentile) to $161,280 (90th percentile).
How much does a Optometrist make per hour in Aberdeen? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $105,496, a optometrist in Aberdeen earns approximately $51 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Aberdeen compare to the South Dakota state average for optometrist pay? ▼
Aberdeen's median optometrist salary of $105,496 is 4.5% below the South Dakota state average of $110,519. The local cost of living index is 84% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Aberdeen, SD? ▼
Aberdeen has a cost of living index of 84% compared to the national average. This means a optometrist salary of $105,496 in Aberdeen has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a optometrist in Aberdeen? ▼
Most optometrist positions in Aberdeen require a doctoral degree. Key skills include Eye Examination, Refraction, Contact Lens Fitting, Ocular Disease. The job market is projected to grow 9% nationally over the next decade.